Electrolytic rotary amalgamator



July 4, 1961 c. c. TYER ELECTROLYTIC ROTARY AMALGAMATOR Filed Jan. l0, 1958 United Smtes Patent O 2,991,239 ELECTROLYTIC ROTARY AMALGAMATOR Clarence C. Tyer, 615 Solano Ave., Vallejo, Calif. Filed Jan. 10, 1958, Ser. No. 708,312 6 Claims. (Cl. 204-213) This invention relatesto a device for classifying gold particles from other granular particles. More particularly this invention relates to a gold retrieving device employing a pool of mercury over which a water-stream flow including gold and other granular particles is arranged to travel so as to cause classification of the gold by amalgamating the gold with the mercury.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a method wherein gold may be classified from other granlular particles by passing the gold via a liquid carrier over a bath of mercury while the molecules of mercury are gradually circulated in paths substantially normal to the direction of flow of granular particles and water past the bath.

A feature and advantage of this invention is that the mercury is gently moved to elect a scrubbing action against the gold particles without introducing an undue amount of turbulence thus preventing the iiowering 'of the mercury and at the same timel allowing the smaller particles of gold to settle out'of suspension in the aqueous carrier. i

A still further object'of the invention is to vprovide a means of classifying gold from other granular'matter wherein an aqueous carrier for the gold and granular particles is an electrolyte through which currentV is arranged to ow to the pool of mercury so as :to maintain the mercury in a bright or polished condition during amalgamation. A v

A further feature of this invention is that the passage of current through the electrolyte also electrolyzesthe gold so as to render the gold in a better condition for amalgamation with the mercury.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device wherein there is a rotating drum into which a waterow stream is injected at one end and withdrawn from the other so that the stream passes through the drum. The drum is arranged with ya pool of mercury disposed on the bottom of the bore of the drum" so that the waterstream iiow is arranged to pass over the mercury wherein particles carried by the 'stream are arranged to be in intimate contact with the mercury during-passage thereover and the drum is rotated at a suiiiciently slow rate of speed so that the molecules of mercury are arranged to rotate in planes substantially normal to the direction of travel of the granular particles through the drum wherein the movement 'of the molecules of mercury effect a scrubbing action with respect to the granular particles to effect a more complete amalgamation of gold.

A further feature'and advantage of this invention is that the drum may be sealed and partly iilled with air so that the quantity of water within the drum may be maintained at a substantially constant level;

Another robject of this invention is to provide a device further provided with an electrode disposed in theV waterstream above the mercury to pass current between the Iamalgamation affinity between the gold and mercury.

A further feature and advantage of this invention is ,that the ,structural components of the device may be formed` of materials having no copper content.

vof the invention.

Patented July 4, 196'1 ECC 2 rotating drum amalgamator in which the axle supporting the drum for substantially horizontal rotation is provided with a hollow bore to provide means to eject and withdraw water from the drum. v f

A still further object of this invention is to provide device according to the preceding object and wherein the bore of the axle also provides means to supply electrical current to an electrode disposed within the interior of the drum. v

A still further object of this invention is to provide an electrode shield for the electrode within the drum which substantially directs the current flow between the electrode and the drum to the area wherein the mercury is disposed to lie and to insulate or shield the current ow from the remaining surfaces of the drum.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a water withdrawing tube of a configuration which more effectively withdraws the granular particles and water from the drum and Veiiectively eliminates the tendencyof the granular particles lto cause stoppage or jamming of the intake end of the withdrawing tube.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following speciiication and referring to the accompanying drawingsin which 'similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views'. v

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a sectional View of the principal embodiment FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken at line 2 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the liquid and granular material withdrawing tube.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of FIG. 5.

Referring to the drawings there is provided a'rotatiiig drum A 'through which a water stream including granular gold and other solid particles are disposed to pass while the `drum is rotating. A bath or pool of mercury B is provided in drum A so as the water stream is disposed to pass over the mercury. `By this means the gold particles are amalgamated with the mercury. In' addition, there is a non-rotating or xed electrode C mounted in the water stream and axially yaligned in the center of drum A by which electrical current can be arranged to iiow through the water between the mercury and electrode C so the bath B can be electrolyzed to be in a polished or bright condition thereby continuously conditioning the bath to be more receptive to amalgamation of gold.

A table D forms the supporting surface Vupon which the amalgamator is mounted. Two bearings 20 and 21 are mounted on table D to support the two axles 22 and 23 of the drum so the axles andthe drum' are rotatably supported on a substantially horizontal axis.

Drum A comprises a cylindrical body 28 sealed on opposite ends by end plates 29 and 30 to -form a liquid tight seal at the two ends of the body. Axles 22 and 23 are rigidly connected in axial alignment with the two end plates 29 and 30 respectively. Drum A'is rotated by a motor (not shown) via .a chain 39 engaged with sprocket 40 rigidly connected on axle 23.

Each end plate defines a plug closure including a cap portion 29a or 30a and a plug body of reduced diameter 2.9b or 3%, the latter being provided with annular grooves to receive O-rings 29e and 30e, respectively. The O-rings form an absolutely liquid tight seal with the walls ofthe drum, and by virtue of their frictional engagement with the drum body, eliminate the need to use bolts or other attaching members yfor securing the end plates to the v drum. Consequently, the drum may be completely dis- A still further object of this invention is to provide a i mounted and disassembled in a minimum of time Without having to unscrew bolts or screws normally used to secure such parts together.

The bores of axles 22 and 23 are each hollowed to receive liquid transport conduits 45 and 46 respectively.

`The area between the bore of the respective axlesl 22 and Y23 and conduits 45 and 46 forms stuing boxes 47 and 48. The bore walls of axles 22 and 23 are threaded along their outer ends to receive stuffing box glands 50 and 51 respectively. The glands retain packing in the stuffing boxes in tight condition so the packing forms a liquid seal between the conduits and the bore walls of the axles.

Conduits 45 and -46 are rigidly nonrotatably mounted so that the drum and the two axles rotate about the two conduits within bearings 20 and 21 respectively. Water and solid granular particles in an aqueous carrier are injected into drum A from conduit 46 in a path comprising conduit 55 and fitting 56. 'I'he granular particles and the aqueous carrier after entering the drum then pass horizontally to the opposite endof the drum where the water and particles are sucked upwardly through an intake fitting 60 to conduit 45 and through an elbow 63 to a discharge pipe 62.

The interior of drum A is provided with two annuluses or interior collars 65 mounted in parallel spaced relation to the two plates 29 and 30 to form guides or walls in which to confine the bath or pool of mercury B. By this means the pool of mercury B is held in spaced relation from the two plates 29 and 30.

Electrode C is mounted in axial alignment in the center of drum A in a housing 70 supported at one end by brackets 71 mounted on conduit 46 and supported on the other end by conduit 45 as at 73. Housing 70 includes a disc-shaped dielectric end piece 74 mounted in spaced relation from conduit `62 to function as a baie to reduce the turbulent eiect of water and granular particles passing into the drum.

The opposite end of housing 70 is formed with a dielectric disc-shaped ange member 78 mounted on T- shaped fitting 79 which connects conduit 45 with intake fitting 60. Housing 70 has a tubular dielectric electrode cover 81 mounted over two bosses 85 and 86 projecting inwardly on the two end members 78 and 74 respectively.

Electrode C is mounted interiorly of electrode cover 8l and is formed of carbon. Electrical connection is made to electrode C through a wire 95 which passes through conduit 46 in an insulating sleeve 96 to make contact with end 97 of electrode C. Sleeve 96 is mounted in axial alignment with the conduit 46 extending outwardly from tting 56 through an apertured cap 99 mounted on the end wall of fitting 56.

A spring 101 is provided interiorly of cover 81 urged against boss 85 and end 102 of electrode C. Spring 101 urges the electrode against a boss 103 mounted on the tip of Wire 95 and thus forcing electrode C in tight electrical contact with wire 95.

Body 28 of drum A is formed of a conductive material such as iron or steel. The outer peripheral surface of the drum is provided with an annular slip ring as indicated at 105 by which a brush 106 is adapted to make electrical contact with the drum while rotating. Drum A is provided with two plugs 108 and 109 mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the drum midway between the two ends thereof. The two plugs are provided so that when the drum is positioned with one of the two plugs in the downward position it may be removed to drain mercury, water and granular particles from the drum. The other plug may be removed to provide an air vent so as to facilitate easier removal of liquid and granular particles from the drum.

In operation drum A is tilled with mercury to a level wherein the top of the mercury is below the overflow level of either of the two annular collars 65. The mercur-y may be inserted in the drum by removing plug 108.

Water and granular particles are then forced through conduits and 46 into the drum until the water level is at least above the level of electrode C, then plug 108 is installed.

It is to be noted that because the drum is sealed that the air within the drum forms a cushion which will prevent the water from rising in the drum beyond a desired level. The air pressure will force the water out through discharge tting 60. Thus, by setting the water level prior to installing plug 108, the water level in the drum during operation can be electively controlled.

lt is desirable that the water have enough salt content to render the water as an electrolyte when electrode C and the drum are energized with current of opposite polarity. Normally, water used in gold mining carrying mineral deposits and gold particles will have suicient salt content so that additional salts need not be added. However, should this not be the case, salts conventionally used in electrolytes may be added 4to the water.

Water is continuously forced through conduit 55 and into the drum and the water is withdrawn through fitting and thence out conduit 62 at the same time. The drum is rotated continually at a rate of approximately 18 revolutions per minute. This speed is not highly critical and may be varied according to practical needs and size of the drum. The speed, however, should be suiciently slow so that the top surface of pool of mercury B stays completely in tact and so that there is no significant disruption or flowering of the mercury. Rotating at this speed the mercury will take a position within the drum substantially out of horizontal position as indicated in FIG. 2 in which there will be continual rotating movement of the molecules of mercury in planes substantially normal to the direction of water and granular material tlow through the drum from conduit 46 to fitting 60.

Solid granular material will tend to settle out of the liquid carrier and rest on top of the pool of mercury B as indicated at F. The movement of the liquid from conduit 46 to tting 60 gradually -forces the granular material through a course over the surface of the mercury to an area adjacent tting `60 whereat the residue granular material is withdrawn with the water from the drum. It can be seen, therefore, that the granular material including gold particles is moved longitudinally of the drum while the molecules of mercury are gradually circulated to cause a scrubbing action against the granular particles at right angles to the direction of travel of the granular particles. During this action the gold within the granular particles is amalgamated with the mercury bath B.

It is observed that the overow level of the annulus located toward the discharge side of the drum (the right side viewed in FIG. 1) is lower than the overflow level of the inlet side annulus (left side). The approximate thickness or height of the solid particle layer F moving across the top of the mercury may be both determined and controlled according to the difference between the level of the mercury bath and the overow level of the discharge side annulus 65. Stated otherwise, by increasing or raising the level of mercury relative to the overflow level of the discharge side annulus, the thickness of the particle layer F is correspondingly reduced, and vice versa.

A source of direct current is applied so that the negative terminal is connected to brush 106 and the positive terminal is connected to wire 95. This causes current to pass through the water to electrolyze the mercury and gold particles. By this action the gold particles and the mercury are maintained in a bright or polished condition so that the gold is more adaptable for amalgamation with the mercury.

Cover *81, as was previously described, is formed of dielectric material. The portion of the housing immediately facing lthe top surface of the mercury is formed with small apertures as indicated at 115 which provides areas where the water is in direct contact with electrode C. The holes are in alignment with the top surface of the mercury.

Shields 118 depend downwardly and outwardly from cover 81. The shields between the two end pieces 74 and 78 are disposed at relative angles to direct or concentratecurrent fiow from. electrode C to the face of mercury B and to reduce stray electrolyzation between electrode C and the remaining body of drum A. By this means the effectiveness of the electrode is materially increased.

Intake iitting 60 is formed as a conduit having a restricted bore as at 125. The bottom end of the fitting has a vsemicircular cut-out 126 so as to provide a semicircular depending leg 127. The bottom of leg 127 is spaced 'sufiiciently from the bottom portion of drum cylinder 28 to provide an area between fitting 60 and the bottom of the cylinder. Fitting 60 is positioned so that the semicircular cut-out faces the direction of travel of drum A as seen particularly in FIG. 4.

An inverted V-shaped cut-out 128 is provided in fitting 60 directly opposite leg 127 to provide an intake area of reduced dimension. Immediately above the apex 129 the inner bore of fitting 60' is gradually restricted as indicated at 130 to a point of minimum diameter indicated at 125 and thence the diameter of the bore increases gradually as indicated at 131.

The restricted aperture at 125 forms an area within fitting 60 wherein the liquid and granular material passes through the fitting at relatively high velocity. This reduces the tendency of the granular material to clog or jam the fitting.

Inverted V-shaped cut-out 129 also functions to prevent jamming or clogging of the fitting. The upper portion of the apex of the cut-out functions as a Ifilter to restrict granular material entering adjacent the apex to the smaller size particles.

The semicircular leg 127 provides a guide to direct granular material and water into the mouth opening of the fitting.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity 0f understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the invention as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for classifying gold particles from a mixture with other solid particles by amalgamating the gold with mercury comprising a sealed drum mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis, means for rotating said drum about said axis, a pool of mercury contained within and filling a portion of the lower regions of said drum, means located adjacent one end of said drum for introducing quantities of said mixture of gold and solid particles in an aqueous carrier into said drum on top of said mercury pool, electrode means in each said drum spaced from said mercury pool, and means located adjacent the other end of said drum for withdrawing said solid particles and the aqueous carrier from said drum to cause said gold and solid particles in said aqueous carrier to pass from one end of said drum to the other across the surface of said mercury pool comprising a vertically disposed intake fitting, said fitting having a downwardly facing intake opening disposed in spaced relation to the bottom portion of the bore of said drum, said fitting having a semicircular leg depending downwardly from the intake opening of said fitting and facing the direction of rotation of said drum, said fitting having a bore gradually decreasing in cross-sectional area upwardly from the intake opening to a first position and 6 thence gradually increasing in cross-sectional Vareaupwardly to a second position. v

2. A device for classifying gold particles from a mixture with other solid particles by amalgamating the gold with mercury comprising a sealed drum mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis, means for rotating said drum about said axis, a pool of mercury contained within and filling a portion of the lower regions of said drum, means located adjacent one end of said drum for introducing quantities of said mixture of gold and solid particles in an aqueous carrier into said drum on top of said mercury pool, electrode means in each said drum spaced from said mercury pool, and means for withdrawing said solid particles and the aqueous carrier from said drum to cause said gold and solid particles in said aqueous carrier to pass from one end of said drum to the other across the surface of said mercury pool comprising a downwardly depending fitting having an intake end positioned in spaced relation with the bottom of said drum, said fitting having a bore formed to gradually decrease in cross-sectional area from a first position adjacent the intake opening upwardly to a second position and thence gradually increasing in crosssectional area upwardly to a third position, said intake opening having a semicircular leg depending downwardly to provide a convex face facing the direction of rotation of said drum, the intake end portion of said fitting opposite said leg formed with an inverted V-shaped notch facing the direction of rotation of said drum and having the apex of said V-shaped notch positioned at said first position,

3. In a device for classifying gold from other mineral matter by amalgamation of the gold with mercury of the type having a sealed drum mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis, means for rotating said drum about said axis, a pool of mercury contained within and filling the lower regions of the drum and an electrode within saidr drum spaced from the pool of mercury the combination of: means for continuously introducing quantities of gold and other solid particles in an aqueous carrier into said drum on top of said pool of mercury during rotation of said drum, means for continuously withdrawing said aqueous carrier and solid particles from said drum continuously during rotation of said drum; and a plug closure closing opposite ends of the drum; each plug closure including a plug body of a diameter slightly less than the interior diameter of the drum; each plug body annularly grooved receiving an O-ring press fitted into liquid seal relation with the interior walls of said drum.

4. A device for classifying gold particles from a mixture with other solid particles by amalgamating the gold with mercury comprising a sealed drum, said drum having two axially aligned axles, means for rotatably supporting said axles on a substantially horizontal plane, said axles having bores opening into said drum, conduits mounted within the bores of said axles to provide fluid communication into and out of said drum, packing means between each said conduit and each said axle, means to force quantities of said mixture of gold and solid particles in an aqueous carrier into said drum through a first said conduit, deflecting means mounted within said drum and facing the opening of said first conduit, means for withdrawing quantities of said solid particles and aqueous carrier from said drum through the second said conduit, two spaced apart radial annuluses mounted interiorly of said drum, a pool of mercury contained within the lower regions o-f said drum between said annuluses, and an electrode in said drum in spaced relation to said pool of mercury.

5. A device for classifying gold particles from a mixture with other solid particles by amalgamating the gold with mercury comprising a sealed drum, said drum having two axially aligned axles, means for rotatably supporting said axles on a substantially horizontal plane, said axles having bores opening into said drum, conduits mounted within the bores of said axles to provide ud communication into and out of said drum, packing means between each said conduit and each said axle, means to force quantities of said mixture of gold and solid particles in an aqueous electrolytic carrier into said drum through a rst conduit, means for withdrawing quantities of said solid particles and aqueous electrolytic carrier from said drum through the second said conduit, two spaced apart radial annuluses mounted interiorly of said drum, a pool ofmerculy contained within the lower regions of said drum between said annuluses, an electrode, mounting means for said electrode supported by said iirst and said second conduits to posi tion said electrode in axial alignment with said drum and in spaced relation with said pool of mercury, and means for electrically energizing said electrode and said pool of mercury with current of opposite polarity.

6. A device according to claim 5 having a rst discshaped member mounted on said electrode mounting means positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of said drum and positioned adjacent said first conduit in spaced relation thereto, and a second disc-shaped member mounted on said electrode mounting means adjacent said second conduit and positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of said drum, said disc having a peripheral edge disposed in spaced relation to said pool of mercury.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 291,670 Body Ian. 8, 1884 706,436 Mumford Aug. 5, 1902 923,319 Blackburn June 1, 1909 1,509,534 Todd Sept. 23, 1924 2,185,858 Mason Jan. 2, 1940 2,446,418 Horn Aug. 3, 1948 2,615,839 Willier Oct. 28, 1952 

1. A DEVICE FOR CLASSIFYING GOLD PARTICLES FROM A MIXTURE WITH OTHER SOLID PARTICLES BY AMALGAMATING THE GOLD WITH MERCURY COMPRISING A SEALED DRUM MOUNTED FOR ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS, MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID DRUM ABOUT SAID AXIS, A POOL OF MERCURY CONTAINED WITHIN AND FILLING A PORTION OF THE LOWER REGIONS OF SAID DRUM, MEANS LOCATED ADJACENT ONE END OF SAID DRUM FOR INTRODUCING QUANTITIES OF SAID MIXTURE OF GOLD AND SOLID PARTICLES IN AN AQUEOUS CARRIER INTO SAID DRUM ON TOP OF SAID MERCURY POOL, ELECTRODE MEANS IN EACH SAID DRUM SPACED FROM SAID MERCURY POOL, AND MEANS LOCATED ADJACENT THE OTHER END OF SAID DRUM FOR WITHDRAWING SAID SOLID PARTICLES AND THE AQUEOUS CARRIER FROM SAID 